How to watch the Thanksgiving NFL slate in Week 13

Thanksgiving is upon us, and that means it’s time for the annual triple-header. Short week football is never pretty, but there is something to appreciate about football and turkey on the holiday. Even if you get sick of the Cowboys or Lions playing every year, we usually get one or two really fun matchups.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

The slate opens with potentially the worst matchup of the day. The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears, with kickoff set for 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The 3-7-1 Lions are more or less out of the playoff picture, while the 5-6 Bears are teetering. Chicago is three games back of the Packers and Vikings in the NFC North, and also three back of the Vikings in the NFC wild card race.

The Bears are a field goal favorite in this game. The Lions will send out Jeff Driskel to face Mitchell Trubisky, and that QB matchup says what I need to know. I see no reason to lay any points with the Bears on the road. This less betting on the Lions and more betting against the Bears.

Game time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Live Stream: (Fox Sports GO, FuboTV)
Date: Thursday, November 28
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Kristina Pink, Mike Pereira
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Odds: Bears -3, O/U 38.5

Buffalo Bills at Dallas Cowboys

The second game of Thanksgiving features the Cowboys hosting the Bills, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. on CBS. The 6-5 Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to the Patriots and hold a one-game lead over the Eagles in the NFC East. The 8-3 Bills took care of business against the Broncos last week and are holding steady atop the AFC wild card race.

The Cowboys are a touchdown favorite in this one, and it’s a difficult one to sort out. The Bills defense has been solid, but has done it against a fairly shaky schedule. They rank 27th in run defense efficiency, and one has to wonder if Ezekiel Elliott gives them problems. On the other side of the ball, Josh Allen is a huge question mark. He’s a playmaker, but he can be incredibly hit or miss. I’d love this line at 6.5, but I’ll stick with the Cowboys even at a full touchdown.

Game time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Live Stream: (CBS All-Access, FuboTV)
Date: Thursday, November 28
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Gene Steratore
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Odds: Cowboys -6.5, O/U 45.5

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

The Thanksgiving tripleheader wraps up with a fun rivalry matchup on NBC. The Falcons host the Saints with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. The Falcons stunned the Saints in New Orleans three weeks ago, and will look to win what is effectively their second Super Bowl. The 3-8 Falcons won’t be going to the playoffs, so everything goes into these rivalry games. The 9-2 Saints have a chance to move into a tie for the best record in the NFC this week if they win and the 49ers lose in Baltimore.

The Saints are a 6.5-point favorite. Considering the Falcons already sprung the upset on New Orleans, I don’t see it happening a second time. I’m inclined to lay the points, even in a road divisional game.

Game time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Live Stream: (NBC Sports Live, FuboTV)
Date: Thursday, November 28
Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya, Terry McAulay
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Odds: Saints -6.5, O/U 49